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Pupy and Kenya’s First Night Together

September 30, 2025

Volume up for rumbles! After a laidback afternoon, it was time for Pupy and Kenya’s dinner and, throughout the day we noticed that the two were deciding to get a little closer and for longer periods of time. When caregivers stopped by the habitat to drop off some food, Pupy was in Yard 1–and we heard a soft rumble and realized that Kenya was only a few meters away from where Pupy was standing. Pupy even headed over a few fence posts closer to Kenya to wait for her snacks. 

We distributed their produce, alternating between the two elephants until it was all gone. Kenya ate a couple of bites but then turned and walked a few steps toward Pupy. Pupy rumbled loudly, turning her bottom toward Kenya, but she didn’t leave. Kenya seemed to get the message that it might be a good idea to give Pupy some space, and Pupy appeared to relax and went back to her food. We made sure to tell them how wonderful they were, giving them their evening allotment of alfalfa and stepping away. 

When we left, the two were still close together and looked comfortable. At night feed, we caught sight of them (which you can see here by the glow of a flashlight) standing by the fence, about a meter or so apart. Pupy (on the right) had turned slightly away from Kenya, who was rumbling softly but deeply. Their energy was very light and easy and, from what we could tell, they stayed in the same yard through the night.

P.S.: Pupy and Kenya’s introductions to sharing space may look a little different from what you’ve seen in the past with the Asian elephants’ first meetings. Previously, we might have been able to take photos and videos closer to the girls during their interactions and maybe even get a bit silly with them, but in this case we’re trying not to encourage Kenya’s overly boisterous side until Pupy feels more certain about this being a safe relationship. Once she’s more comfortable, we can potentially be a little playful and have closer interactions with them. In the meantime, we might share some observation camera footage or other shots of the two of them from a bit of a distance with their humans a little less involved and a little more reserved than normal.

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Comments(12)

  1. REPLY
    Sue says
    September 30, 2025 at 2:13 pm

    Just amazing watching them and seeing how things develop. Thank you for sharing the moments you are able to!! ❤️🐘❤️

  2. REPLY
    Rocio says
    September 30, 2025 at 2:18 pm

    That soft rumble is kind of scary 😀 I´m so glad to see them together.

  3. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    September 30, 2025 at 2:23 pm

    Takes a while. Someday Pupy and Kenya will walk their jungle paths and knock down trees together.🌲🪾❤️

  4. REPLY
    Jeanine says
    September 30, 2025 at 2:54 pm

    I’m so glad that Pupy and Kenya have a BFF.❤️❤️

  5. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
    September 30, 2025 at 3:07 pm

    Okay. Now you have done it. Tears welling up and goosey bumps on my arms. So much personal growth for Kenya and Pupy, and I could not be more proud of them. Once again proving that if you give formerly captive elephants space and allow for them to make their own decisions whenever possible . These girls have made giant strides, and I just bet they will become the best of friends.🐘🐘❤️

  6. REPLY
    Ada says
    September 30, 2025 at 3:32 pm

    Kenya’s rumblings🥹I love the respect they give each other. Pupy sure is getting comfortable around Kenya🥰

  7. REPLY
    Carol says
    September 30, 2025 at 3:36 pm

    👍🏻🙌🏻👏🏻😁🤫

  8. REPLY
    Alida says
    September 30, 2025 at 5:38 pm

    This is wonderful to see! They’re building their friendship slowly, at their own pace. Kenya is so smart in toning her energy down as to not to scare Pupy, precious girls ❤️🐘🐘❤️

  9. REPLY
    Sharon Klesse says
    September 30, 2025 at 6:35 pm

    This is great news! Also, I love the way you explain everything in your commentary… the reasoning and your expectations. You do such a great job with these elephants… just amazing. ❤️

  10. REPLY
    Doe says
    September 30, 2025 at 7:19 pm

    Exciting news! Princess Pupy seems to turn her back side to Kenya often. What does this behavior mean in 🐘 society? TY for the update.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      September 30, 2025 at 8:14 pm

      In Pupy’s case, she might be asking for some space or letting Kenya know that she’s not ready for head to head interaction. You may remember that Guille approached things backward, even walking out doors in reverse because she was uncertain. It could be a combination of all that and more.

  11. REPLY
    Carey says
    October 1, 2025 at 11:28 am

    marvellous

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